Ganglion cysts are round, soft lumps that commonly form in tendons or joints, and are most common on the wrist. The shape is sometimes very small, but can reach a diameter of 2 cm. Although usually painless, ganglion cysts can interfere with joint movement, or hurt when a nearby nerve is compressed. In most cases, ganglion cysts will go away on their own, but there are steps you can take to treat them.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Coping with Ganglion Cysts
Step 1. Be patient
About 25% of ganglion cysts are painless; the only problem is that it is unsightly. Fortunately 38–58% of cases can go away without treatment. If the ganglion isn't causing any real problems, you can leave it alone and see if the condition gets better on its own.
Step 2. Take an anti-inflammatory pain medication
There are many over-the-counter medications that help reduce swelling. If the swelling subsides, the pain will be milder for a while until the effect of the medicine wears off and the swelling returns. However, since most ganglion cysts get better on their own, you can ease the pain while waiting for recovery. The three types of anti-inflammatory drugs commonly available in pharmacies are:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin)
Step 3. Apply ice to the ganglion
If the ganglion cyst is painful, try applying ice. You can buy gel bags from the pharmacy or wrap ice cubes in a towel. Apply directly to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. Do it every day, once every three hours.
Step 4. Don't overuse the joint
Although the exact cause is unknown, the leading theory is that ganglion cysts are the result of trauma to the joint (such as a knock or crush). Another theory argues that the cause is overuse of the joints. Whatever the cause, limiting joint movement can relieve pain and speed up the recovery process. Rest the sore hand or foot.
Step 5. Stabilize the joint with a splint if necessary
You may forget to rest your joint, especially if the cyst is on your wrist. While it's easier to remember not to move your legs, remembering not to talk while moving your hands is harder. If that's the case, you should consider splinting the joint. The splint serves as a physical reminder to rest the joint and also limits joint movement when you use your hands or feet.
- Wrap the joint to be stabilized with a stiff object (such as a small board). You can also wrap the joints with magazines or thick rolls of towels or shirts.
- The splint should extend beyond the joint at both ends. So, movement can be limited to a minimum. For example, a wrist splint should extend from the forearm, past the wrist, and all the way to the hand.
- Tie the splint with whatever is available, such as a tie, tape, belt, etc.
- Make sure the tie is not too tight. Don't stop the blood flow. If your hand or foot begins to tingle, loosen the splint.
Step 6. Massage the cyst
Basically, a ganglion is a lump filled with fluid, and when pressed against a nerve, it is painful. So that the fluid in the cyst can come out on its own, doctors usually recommend massaging the area. However, you don't need any specific techniques or see a professional massage therapist. Rub the ganglion gently, but often, and do it repeatedly throughout the day. Over time, you will see your symptoms begin to improve.
Step 7. Don't hit the ganglion with the book
There are many people who try to remove the ganglion by hitting it with a heavy book. A blow will temporarily remove the ganglion, but there is a 22–64% chance that the cyst will return. What's more, the tissue around the already damaged ganglion will be more damaged, or risk fractures if the blow is too hard.
Method 2 of 2: Undergoing Professional Action
Step 1. Ask the doctor to remove the cyst fluid
If the ganglion is very painful or interferes with the natural movement of the wrist, you may need professional treatment to treat the problem. Medical professionals can remove fluid from inside the cyst, remove lumps under the skin, and stop friction between the cyst and nerve tissue.
The doctor may examine the cyst by shining a light on the lump. If the light is translucent, it means the lump is filled with fluid and is indeed a ganglion cyst
Step 2. Prepare yourself
While suctioning is not a complex procedure, you should know how it works. This knowledge will help you to stay calm and relaxed during the procedure.
- The doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area around the ganglion.
- The cyst will be injected with an enzyme to make the fluid that has a jelly-like texture easier to remove.
- The cyst will be pierced with a needle that will suck the fluid out. The liquid is a biological waste that must be disposed of by medical staff safely and according to regulations.
Step 3. Ask if your doctor recommends steroid injections
Usually, suction alone is not a permanent procedure. One study showed that 59% of cysts treated with suction alone returned within three months. However, steroid injections in the aspirated area of the cyst have proven to be much more effective, with 95% of the cysts disappearing completely 6 months after the procedure.
Step 4. Discuss options for surgery with your doctor
The ganglion is so likely to return that you may feel that home treatments and even aspiration of fluids are not a long-term solution. If ganglion cases recur, ask your doctor about the possibility of surgical removal of the cyst.
- This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. The doctor will give anesthesia through the intravenous.
- The surgery not only removes fluid from the cyst, but removes the cyst as a whole, it also removes the stalk that attaches the cyst to a tendon or joint. With this complete procedure, the chances of cyst growth are reduced.
Step 5. Know the risks of surgical removal of a ganglion cyst
Like any other type of operation, it is possible for errors to occur during the operation. In rare cases, surgery can damage nerve tissue, blood vessels, or tendons in the area around the cyst. In addition, there is a risk of infection or excessive bleeding.
Step 6. Take care of yourself after surgery
The area around the cyst may be painful during the recovery process. Ask your doctor for a prescription pain reliever, such as Vicodin, to help relieve the pain. Rest your hands or feet for at least a few days. For example, if a cyst is growing on your wrist, avoid activities like typing or cooking for a while. Ask your doctor about a recovery plan that includes:
- Estimated recovery time.
- Specific activities to avoid during the recovery process.
- What symptoms may indicate a problem due to the procedure.
